Jardin du Luxembourg

Lonely Planet review

When the weather is warm - or even just slightly sunny - Parisians of all ages flock to the formal terraces and chestnut groves of Luxembourg Gardens. There are art galleries, activities and plenty of room around the grounds just to run about.

At the Grand Bassin, model sailboats - many of them quite old - can be rented, while at the pint-sized Théâtre du Luxembourg, visitors are treated to a complete theatre experience in miniature: in a hall filled with child-sized seats, marionettes put on shows whose antics can be enjoyed even if you don't understand French.

Just north of the theatre, kids of up to 35kg (75lbs) can ride Shetland ponies. Less rider-friendly, you can visit the 'ruches' (beehives), established here in 1856. There are also numerous sporting fields and facilities, in case you and your interests aren't quite so pint-sized.

For higher-brow visitors, the early-20th-century Musée du Luxembourg at 19 rue de Vaugirard is dedicated to presenting the work of living artists. While you're wandering, the Palais du Luxembourg is worth a look.